Basketball

Sports Minister Commends NBBF for Successful Zenith Elite Women’s Basketball League

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2023

…Congratulates Champions, MFM Basketball on winning title

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh,has commended the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by Engr. Musa Kida, for their organization of the Women’s Basketball League Final Four, held in Lagos from October 17th to 19th, 2023.

The Minister was present at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where he witnessed a thrilling match between MFM Basketball and Nigerian Customs. MFM Basketball clinched the victory with a 64-60 score, to claim the league title.

Senator Enoh showered encomiums on the Lagos-based team for their tenacity, determination, and resilience displayed on their path to securing the championship. He expressed his enthusiasm about the quality of the games and the wealth of talent available for potential national team selections.

“In this Final Four, the level of competition we’ve seen unequivocally demonstrates the significant progress women’s basketball has made,” Senator Enoh stated. “The depth of talent we have is extraordinary, providing a strong pool for national team selections. The recent dominance of D’Tigress in Africa doesn’t come as a surprise; it’s a testament to our wealth of talent, both locally and abroad. When this kind of talent is available both home and abroad, the best of the best from Nigeria can beat any team.”

“We are blessed with an abundance of talent, and I’m confident that scouts and coaches have been closely monitoring these proceedings. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to MFM Basketball for their inaugural league title. Their journey to victory was filled with determination and hard work. It’s also heartening to see privately-owned clubs excelling in our sports.”

The Minister also commended Zenith Bank, the league’s sponsors, for their unwavering support to Nigerian basketball and called upon other organizations to take a cue and invest in sports.

“I applaud Zenith Bank for their unwavering commitment to the development of basketball in our nation. The Ministry remains resolute in its efforts to foster a conducive environment for sports to flourish, hand in hand with private investments.”

He encouraged the other teams that took part in the League to hold their head high and come back even stronger next season.

Dignitaries at the game included Executive Director, Zenith Bank, Dr. Temitope Fashuronti, CEO, Startimes, Mr. Joshua Wang, Director General, National Sports Commission, Prof. Olawale Moronkola, alongside the basketball federation president, Engr. Musa Kida.

Air Warriors secured the first runner-up position, while Nigeria Customs earned the second runner-up position.

MFM’s Regina Donanu won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as well as the highest three point conversion prize, while Iwuji Vivian won the highest rebound award.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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